September 3, 2007

Weather Channel Releasing Smooth Jazz CD

For years, viewers of The Weather Channel have been exposed to smooth jazz music through the cable channel’s Local on the 8s segment. Artists have included Dave Koz, Steve Oliver, Brian Hughes, Norman Brown and many others. Now, the first in a planned series of CDs featuring Weather Channel music has been commissioned by Nashville-based Midas Records.

Although the 25-year-old network has previously licensed items ranging from apparel to weather radios to umbrellas, this marks the first time it has entered the licensed-entertainment category. The first in the series, titled The Weather Channel Presents: Best of Smooth Jazz, will be released online and at traditional retailers on Oct. 9.

The CD features several songs that may be familiar to smooth jazz fans: “Shakin’ the Shack” by Koz; “The Gift” by 3rd Force; “Sidewayz” by Najee; “Ocean View” by Pieces of a Dream; “Viaduct” by Four80East; “Santa Monica Triangle” by Jeff Lorber; and “Mildred’s Attraction” by Joyce Cooling.

Although he didn’t make it onto The Weather Channel’s first Smooth Jazz compilation, guitarist Steve Oliver's songs are frequently played on the channel. Who knows - he could make it on the next one. Oliver says he’s always pleasantly surprised to hear his music when tuning in.

"I always watch The Weather Channel beause I like to see what the weather's like in California, or wherever we’re going to the next. So I’m always watching it. Every time I hear it, it's like Oh my God, wait a minute, I know this song. Wait. Oh my gosh, they’re playing this track. And it fits the vibe, you know, while they’re doing the local forecast."